Dispersal Zone introduced in Huyton

We introduced a Dispersal Zone in Huyton yesterday (Wednesday 29 September) in response to continued reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The order ran from 3pm yesterday and will last for 48 hours. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The Dispersal Zone covers the area of Archway Road junction Tarbock Road, Tarbock Road junction St John’s Road, St John’s Road junction Huyton Hey Road, Huyton hey road junction with Victoria Road across the opened land separating Victoria Road to Huyton Lane and back to Archway Road .

The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

If someone has previously been told to leave the area by an officer but then returns, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Community Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said: “We have introduced this dispersal zone as an extra precaution in response to a recent increase in crime and anti-social behaviour by a large group of youths in the area .

“This behaviour will not be tolerated and extra officers will remain in Huyton to disperse any groups causing such incidents, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the town.

“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business, or preventing people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to stop reckless acts of anti-social behaviour to make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live.

“Rest assured, you can pass any information about anti-social behaviour in your community to us and we will take action.”

“If you witness any anti-social behaviour over the next 48 hours or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

You can also follow @MerPolHuyton on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.